Advanced Graphics with R

Course Level: Intermediate

This is a one-day intensive course on advanced graphics with R. The standard plotting commands in R are known as the base graphics, but are starting to show their age. In this course, we cover more advanced graphics packages - in particular, ggplot2. The ggplot2 package can create advanced and informative graphics. This training course stresses understanding - not just one off R scripts. By the end of the session, participants will be familiar with themes, scales and facets, as well as the wider ggplot2 world of packages.

Learning Outcomes

have a thorough understanding of how different graphics packages in R work, in particular ggplot2

be able to efficiently plot their own data in eye catching ways within seconds, including:

barplots

histograms

raster plots

scatter plots

density plots

many more

be able to customise their graphs with colour schemes, themes, fonts and grid layouts.

Course Structure

This course will be structured as follows:

9:00 — 9:15: Registration and coffee

9:15 — 9:40: Lecture

9:40 — 10:30: Practical 1

10:30 — 11:00: Coffee break

11:00 — 12:15: Lecture

12:15 — 1:30: Lunch

2:45 — 3:15: Coffee break

1:30 — 4:30: Practical 2 & Lecture

Materials

Prior Knowledge

A basic knowledge of R is assumed for this course. In particular, attendees should be familiar with the topics covered in the introduction to R course. This course will be a mixture of lectures and computer practicals. The goal is to enable participants to apply the techniques covered to their own data. This course is suitable for all fields of work. Previous attendees include biologists, statisticians, accountants, engineers & students, i.e., anyone who uses a spreadsheet!

Attendee Feedback

Very clear lectures and handouts.

Good overview of the main topics. Also gave advice on how to find out about other features that may be needed above the standards.

The ability to ask more general questions about our data in the practical.